Lots of Books in a Tiny Space
Walk down Main Street in St. Johnsbury and look closely. There’s a store that looks so small, you might not notice it if you’re not paying attention. See the sign? “Secondhand Prose.”
This is St. Johnsbury’s quality used book store, and don’t be put off by its size. It’s chock-full of books, audios, videos, and record albums, with enough variety to appeal to everyone.
Founded in October 2006 by the Friends of the Athenaeum, Secondhand Prose sells gently used books at very discounted prices. Says Jim Zorn, one of the volunteers at the store, “Our goal is to make money for the Friends of the Athenaeum to support all the projects at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum.”
The store is staffed totally by volunteers. Co-managers Betsy Zorn and Pat Eldridge take their turns in the shop along with a small fleet of people who donate their time and talents to Secondhand Prose – sorting inventory, making displays, acting as salespersons, and doing the many tasks required to maintain the store. "It's a lovely, quaint space for books," says Eldridge.
“There are tremendous bargains available at the shop,” says Zorn. “We have some books signed by the authors, lots of hardback books, children’s books, VCR tapes and DVDs, old record albums, and everything is priced very reasonably. It’s a great place to find a special Christmas gift.”
The shop also sells the collectible pewter keepsake ornaments produced each year by the Friends of the Athenaeum. Started in 2002, the ornaments capture the finest architectural structures in St. Johnsbury. This year’s ornament is a mini version of the St. 
Johnsbury House, and others available include the Railroad Station, the North Congregational Church, Summer St. School, Fuller Hall at St. Johnsbury Academy, the Fairbanks Museum, and of course, the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum itself.
Zorn says that the store has plenty of inventory on hand right now, and in fact, are not currently accepting book donations because their storage space is limited. “But we’re always looking for volunteers who would like to help out at the store,” says Zorn. “It takes a lot of people to keep this going and to raise money for the Athenaeum.” He encourages anyone interested to call the store at 802-748-9222 .
So next time you’re wandering down Main Street, stop at the tiny storefront that says “Secondhand Prose” and go inside. You’re sure to find a treasure to take home!
